Cop dies by suicide in his house in Ahero, Kisumu County

A junior police officer was found dead after he had died by suicide in his official house in Ahero, Kisumu County.

Constable Solomon Anukuri had complained to his colleagues he was stressed over domestic issues at home before he hanged himself in his house on January 21, 2026 police said.

His body was found hanging on a truss with a rope tied around his neck long after the incident. He lived alone in the house.

His colleague had tried to call him in vain as he did not respond to the calls. He told police he decided to go and check on him when he found the door locked from inside.

He and other police officers peeped through the window and saw the body hanging on a rope when they broke in and confirmed the same.

Police said there was no suicide note that was recovered at the scene.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and other procedures.

This is the latest such incident to happen and affect the police service at large amid efforts to address mental issues among the police which is alarming.

The issue is affecting officers in all ranks, officials said.

The Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja said he had ordered that any mental illness related case be attended to immediately.

Triggers include tough work, financial issues, marriage wrangles, transfers, working far from friends and exposure to stresses.

However, the trend of incidents linked to work related trauma continue to rise.

There has been a spike of incidents involving police officers including murder and suicide which have been linked to mental wellness of the officers.

They include deaths by gun.

Authorities police are exposed to many forms of trauma that lead some to suicide in a worrying trend.

As part of efforts to address the trend, police authorities have launched counselling services, and the National Police Service Commission has established a unit and staffed it to attend to their demanding situation.

The counselling unit, among other things, evaluates, designs and leads an outreach programme that helps prevent mental health and substance abuse.

Officials say police are generally on the receiving end of all community problems.

They are expected to maintain law and order in very difficult situations, besides putting their lives at risk.

Over the years, a spike in deaths in the service has been linked to trauma.

The World Health Organisation says such cases are also attributed to joblessness, death, academic failures or pressures, legal difficulties and financial difficulties.

Other reasons are bullying, previous suicide attempts, history of suicide in a family, alcoholism and substance misuse, depression and bipolar disorder.

The government says efforts are being made to address the menace.

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